Board readies Banner Park for Arbor Day plantings after tree donations

Members discussed 2026 Arbor Day planting plans for Banner Park, confirming five donated trees earmarked for the park and acknowledging an additional 10 saplings offered through a memorial tree giveaway.

A member summarized the donations: "We have 5 trees that were donated to the city of Guthrie to be planted in Banner Park," and identified two smaller emerald-green arborvitae and three 'green giant' trees as part of the donation. Staff noted those larger varieties will eventually reach substantial height and that placement near the park sign was under consideration.

Board members said locates had begun but an electrical locate remained outstanding; staff expected that work to be completed before planting. Committee members asked about watering and size standards. Staff and members noted the city ordinance defines a minimum trunk diameter for plantings and that the group would pot smaller saplings and grow them until they met the ordinance minimum, rather than installing undersized trees in the ground.

Staff also reported a separate donation of 10 additional young trees from a memorial giveaway; the trees were described as young saplings and staff said they would select species appropriate for Guthrie's hot summers and cold winters. Planting was tentatively scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. at Banner Park, pending locate completion and staff coordination.

Next steps include confirming final planting locations after all locates, arranging water bags and mulch for initial establishment, and coordinating volunteer or staff crews for the scheduled planting.